Scotland v Italy
Scotland v Italy - Preview
Martyn Thomas
August 28, 2015
Scotland's Peter Horne keeps his place at centre against Italy.
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Scotland welcome Italy to Murrayfield buoyed by last weekend's 16-12 win over the same opposition in Turin, but still with work to do as coach Vern Cotter prepares to name his 31-man Rugby World Cup squad. The New Zealander has rotated his side once again as he looks to finalise his plans, bringing in several experienced heads for their first taste of action this summer. Italy coach Jacques Brunel, on the other hand, has already named his final squad and will be looking for a reaction from those involved following last week's agonising defeat.
Team news Italy are also much-changed with only six players retaining their place from last week's game at the Stadio Olimpico. Leonardo Ghiraldini, who came off the bench in Turin, captains the side as he win his 77th cap, and is joined in the front row by former Leicester favourite Martin Castrogiovanni. Newcastle's Joshua Furno is handed a chance to impress at lock, while Tomasso Allan again starts at fly-half.
Key head-to-head
Key stats * Scotland's biggest win over Italy came at Murrayfield on Aug. 23, 2003 when they won 47-15. * Italy have beaten Scotland at Murrayfield three times, the most recent coming on their last visit in February.
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